In some sports there are very direct advantages, in others it is more subtle. From the likelihood of a home run or made field goal in Denver stadiums due to altitude to the roar of Seahawk Stadium fans. The streaks may lapse, but there is something magical about playing at home. An observed and documented role especially in playoff situations otherwise there would not need to be a full set of qualifications and guidelines surrounding at home versus away play. The strength of the advantage varies by sport, region, season, and division, but there is a consistent difference giving the home team a significant advantage over the visitors, even if it is just a perceived one. How do your beliefs of your surroundings affect your performance? How can being in an area that you are more familiar with help your work?  

One reason for the home advantage stems from the effect of the familiar on the mind and the body. As a swimmer I knew the number of strokes for my backstroke from the flags to tuck for the flip turn, before the meet you would count, but there was always something so much easier when it was a home meet. As a coach I tell my track athletes to get their steps in right when we arrive at an away meet. In cross country we go through the home course finding the “tricky” spots and spend more time on that, for Inglewood it is a nice uphill segment that hill repeats are eye rolled until that meet and then each of the athletes is more prepared for it.  There is something about being on your home course, your home court, you have the advantage at home. Bringing clients into your conference room to discuss, making sure you get the seat you are comfortable in to take your test, arriving early to run through a presentation. What are some things that you can do to ensure preparation when you find yourself in the visiting team role? What does it mean for you to change venue, but keep momentum and positive action?  

For many it is a psychological thing that is intrinsic with the people who are there “rooting for the home team.”  When you have support behind you, it will naturally make you feel like you can carry out more. This goes for not just being on a sporting venue. When you are surrounded by people who are in your corner, on your team you can do more. Are you setting yourself up to be surrounded by a rival team or your home team fans? How can you keep the hometown hope when you find yourself in the visitor’s section? What does home field advantage mean to you?